Citi Simplicity^® Card Review

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If you have a large amount of credit card debt that you’re struggling to pay down, a balance transfer card, like the Citi Simplicity^® Card, should be on your radar. Where this card stands out is the length of its intro APR period on balance transfers: You’ll get nearly two years to pay down your transferred balance before interest charges kick in.

This card also comes with a $0 annual fee and offers a modest intro APR on purchases. Just know, you’ll be subject to a balance transfer fee for each transfer you make, and there is no rewards program.

Let’s take a closer look at the Citi Simplicity^® Card’s features — and show how it compares to a similar balance transfer card — to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

• Long intro APR on balance transfers

  If you want to transfer your high-interest credit card debt to a card with a 0% intro APR, the Citi Simplicity® Card currently offers one of the longest interest-free periods on balance transfers available. You’ll receive an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, after which an APR of 19.24% - 29.99% (variable) will apply.

  Just know, you cannot transfer debt from one Citi card to another card from the same issuer.

• Long balance transfer window

  While most balance transfer cards require you to transfer your balance within the first 60 days of opening your account to take advantage of the intro APR, the Citi Simplicity® Card gives you four months.

  This extra time can be a lifeline if you’re not quite ready to transfer your balance within the first two months of card membership.

• Solid intro APR on purchases

  If you need to finance a large purchase and pay it off over time, the Citi Simplicity® Card offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases. After that, a 19.24% - 29.99% (variable) APR applies.

  That said, if you take advantage of this card’s balance transfer offer, we suggest that you avoid making new purchases on your card until you pay your transferred balance in full.

• Limited fees

  Along with offering a $0 annual fee, the Citi Simplicity® Card will not apply late fees or a penalty APR if you happen to pay your bill late.

  But it goes without saying that it’s extremely important to pay your credit card bill on time each month to avoid negatively affecting your credit score.

• Balance transfer fee

  With the Citi Simplicity® Card , there is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

  That fee will be added to the amount you transfer to the Citi Simplicity® Card . For example, if you transfer a $8,000 balance, a $240 fee will be added to what you owe.

  While this fee is on par with what most balance transfer cards charge, we should note that there are a select few credit cards available that don’t charge balance transfer fees. Just know, those cards offer much shorter introductory periods on balance transfers than the Citi Simplicity® Card .

• Potentially high ongoing APR

  Once the interest-free period ends, the Citi Simplicity® Card has an ongoing APR of 19.24% - 29.99% (variable). This is higher than the average APR for a balance transfer credit card.

  If you’re approved for the high end of this range, you’ll want to avoid carrying a balance on the card from month to month. Otherwise, you stand to rack up high interest charges if you don’t pay your balance in full every month.

• No rewards program

  You won’t earn rewards for the purchases you make with the Citi Simplicity® Card . There’s also no sign-up bonus.

  But remember, when transferring a balance, it’s best to focus on paying off the balance within the interest-free period, rather than racking up rewards.

• Mediocre benefits

  While the Citi Simplicity® Card offers a handful of basic benefits, like automatic account alerts and identity theft protection, it lacks other popular perks and protections, like purchase protection, extended warranty, cellphone insurance and annual credits.

Compare it to the Citi^® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

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Citi^® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

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Rates & Fees

Citi^® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Intro Purchase APR N/A

Regular Purchase APR 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Annual Fee $0

Rewards Rate Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.… Read More

Highlights

• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Typical Credit Needed

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Show Detailsfor Citi Double Cash Card

If you want a card you can keep around after paying off your transferred balance, you should think about adding a rewards credit card, like the Citi® Double Cash Card , to your wallet. Although the card doesn’t offer an intro APR on balance transfers for quite as long as the Citi Simplicity® Card , it does offer a cash back rewards program.

The Citi® Double Cash Card offers an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers. After, a 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies. The card also lets you earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, checks, gift cards or travel. You can also use rewards to shop at Amazon.

Like the Citi Simplicity® Card , the Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a $0 annual fee and four-month balance transfer window. Also, there is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.

But unlike the Citi Simplicity® Card , the Citi® Double Cash Card does not offer an intro APR on purchases.

If you’re looking to escape from your high-interest debt, it’s tough to beat the Citi Simplicity® Card . The card offers one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers, as well as a lengthy balance transfer window. Additionally, the card comes with an intro APR on purchases, a $0 annual fee and doesn’t apply late fees and penalty APRs.

The Citi® Double Cash Card is also worth considering if you need to transfer a credit card balance. Along with a great intro APR offer, the card offers cash back on every purchase — making it ideal if you plan to use the card after you pay off your transferred balance in full.